Winter Traditions

(Ketchikan Sunrise in November)

(photo credit: Jodi Gatti -Not sure why it copyrighted my name) 

I have always loved Winter and Christmas more than any other season or holiday. Not only the lights, trees, decorations, and the true meaning of Christmas, but the traditions that we have as a family. I have a plethora of wonderful memories of making candies, driving and looking at the lights on the neighborhood houses, going to the mall and seeing Santa Claus, decorating the tree, and my favorite: On Christmas Eve my dad would always read from Luke 2-21. The birth of Jesus Christ right before bed. My sisters and I would all sleep in the same bed, which made for a sleepless night. Not just because we were overly excited and thinking about all the presents under the tree, but because there was four of us all twisted together with legs in faces and knees in backs.

When Clint and I decided to have our own family-actually when I told him it's time to have kids, I was excited for the holidays especially. Kids just bring holiday's to a whole new level. What once was trying to please and excite Clint on Christmas with the best present I could find was now exchanged for both of us trying to instill holiday traditions with Jesus as the center of attention (as it should be).

I wanted to share just some of our traditions that we have adopted over the years. It will be ever evolving and changing once our munchkins get a little older, but I'm rejoicing in the fact that they are tiny little people right now.

Yes. That is a onesie I am wearing. Hot Chocolate. Christmas movie. Jewelry making. A bit of Heaven at home:

Snowflakes arts and crafts!

 (apparently my kids don't like clothes)

Gingerbread houses: 

Elf On The Shelf with the virtues of Jesus:

And sitting on Santa's Lap:

(non of my kids cried. They ran to Santa and told him what they wanted for Christmas. Bria want's a "big barbie car she can drive" and Bailey wants "a princess that sings" 

What are some of your family traditions? 

The Cozy Mug: A Review

So being a stay-at-home-mom sometimes one of the most exciting parts of the day is getting the mail. True story. Even if you aren't expecting anything, just the excitement of getting things delivered to your door is nice. Especially if it's a day where you just want to go out and do something. I discovered the world of subscription boxes. Oh.My. It's wonderfully addictive and dangerous! There are so many out there, but the one that seemed to be saying "TORY!" and this one was The Cozy Mug.

The Packaging is so pretty and well thought out. It's like a Gift every month!

The Cozy Mug is only $19.95 a month and comes with a plethora of amazing tea samples (which are full size!) and cute little items for a cozy night. I received the Christmas box this last week and I was in aww of the quality of teas they chose.

Here is a little bit about The Cozy Mug from their website:

The Cozy Mug was created for a simple and selfish reason. I LOVE collecting and trying new teas, coffees and other necessities to create my perfect cozy mug. The Cozy Mug offers members the opportunity to discover a featured tea company every month or to try our box with a featured coffee brand every month both from around the world. You'll not only experience coffees and teas but also an array of other fun whimsical items to help you create your perfect mug of tea, hot cocoa, cider or coffee. You may also get a a few surprise treats included in your monthly shipment such as cookies, chocolates, lip balms among a plethora of other lovely charming itmes. Each month will be a surprise! One thing you can rely on is that every month you will be emerged into a new and exciting way to create your perfect cozy mug for a few moments of "YOU TIME."

 

 

 Even my son loved the box!

I received 6 tea bags, 1 bag of loose leaf tea, a full size chocolate bar that is already gone, a honey spice stir stick, a post card that I already sent to a friend, and a beautiful full size nail polish from e.l.f. The Christmas Adagio loose leaf tea is my favorite and i've had it everyday this week.

If you love tea in your morning mug or at night while you are reading, this service is amazing and you won't be disappointed :) You can sign up here: Sign up for The Cozy Mug

If you would like to follow them on Facebook you can check their site out here: The Cozy Mug on Facebook. You can check their past boxes and reviews on the service.

They had a few extra boxes that where up to buy, and I bought a second one...I was going to do a give-a-way, but I really loved the box SO much I kept it for myself to share with my family. Hehe. Maybe next month I will purchase two for a giveaway.

**I was not compensated for the subscription and used my own money for the box. All opinions are 100% my own**

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!

Ok. I'm a horrible blogger. Just terrible! I have had high hopes for this pace in the blogosphere about posting regularly, getting some great things to review, sharing with you guys what we've been up to. But sadly. I don't have the energy half the time to take pictures, edit them (at least a little bit of worth for the blog) and frankly have been too stinkin' busy! That's it. No more excuses. I want to start December off with a bang. Well, because It's the last month in 2014 and it's my most favoritist month of the year! ( I can use the word favoritist. It's my blog. I can do what I want!)

So to start of December, we had beautiful snowy weather...

The kids were begging to go outside and weren't listening at. all. They were being very rambunctious, loud, and cray-cray. Totally crazy, so instead of keeping them inside so I can pull more hair out I gave in and we all bundled up (which took about an hour to do) and headed out to the snow:

I told the kids to put their stuff away after taking it off. This is the result: 

Noah was napping, so hopefully next snow day he can enjoy the fun!